Label for Sports Netting

ABSTRACT

A label includes a body including a front surface configured to display graphics with the label attached to the sports netting and a rear surface including a central adhesive region, a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from the body, and a plurality of foldable regions wherein each of the plurality of tabs is connected to the body by one of the plurality of foldable regions, respectively. Each of the plurality of tabs have a rear surface including a second adhesive region, respectively. Each of the plurality of foldable regions includes an adhesive-free rear surface configured to contact the sports netting with the label securely attached to the sports netting. The central adhesive region and each of the respective second adhesive regions are sized and located such that contact is absent between the adhesive regions and the sports netting with the label securely attached to the sports netting.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to labels for sports nets. Morespecifically, at least one embodiment, relates to a label for a sportsnet that is easily and securely fastened to the net and later removedfrom the net without the aid of tools.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Referring to FIG. 1, a traditional basketball goal 100 is illustrated.The basketball goal 100 includes a rim 102, a basketball net 103 and abackboard 104. The basketball goal 100 can be secured in place such thatthe rim 102 is located at the desired elevation, for example, at aregulation height, or perhaps a lower height when used by children.While the basketball goal 100 may be wall mounted, ceiling suspended orsecured in place by other means, basketball goals are most often securedto a pole for use in recreational basketball.

The basketball net 103 is traditionally constructed to provide anoverall conical shape. The materials of construction can include cotton,polyester or metal (chain link). Regardless of the materials ofconstruction, the typical basketball net 103 includes a series ofopenings having a generally overall triangle or diamond-like shape wherethe upper part of the net 103 includes larger openings and the lowerpart of the net 103 includes smaller diamond-shaped openings. The loopsthat form the uppermost openings in the basketball net 103 are attachedto the rim 102. When a basketball is thrown through the net 103, thedescent of the ball is slowed and partially guided as the ball passesthrough the net 103.

During a game, the basketball is constantly changing hands. During playsome basketball players find the basketball slippery due to moisture andsweat that gets transferred from the players' hands to the ball whilehandling it. A slippery feeling basketball gives the athlete lesscontrol of the ball while dribbling, passing and shooting. To improvethe precision of their ball handling, athletes may run to the sidelinesand wipe their hands on a towel, or alternatively, wipe their hands ontheir shorts or jersey to wipe off some of the moisture. These practicesare routine at all levels of competition. Further, while the effort maytemporarily give the athlete dry hands it does not remove any of themoisture from the basketball. As a result, the fundamental problemcaused by sweat on the basketball remains.

Sometimes, a game or practice is temporarily halted so that the ball canbe wiped down with a towel to dry it. However, these interruptions stopthe flow or momentum of the game and are frustrating to players,coaches, referees and fans.

In addition to moisture, germs are also transferred onto the ball fromthe sweat and contact with the hands of the athletes. This leads to anaccumulation of germs as the ball continually changes hands during agame or practice. As the germs accumulate, the basketball continues tochange hands leading to an increasingly unhygienic situation. Thesecircumstances create an environment that can easily transmit infectionsamong the participants.

Further, the towels that are available courtside during a basketballgame are unsanitary because they are thrown on the bench or the gymfloor and because the same towel is used repeatedly to remove sweat. Asa result, wiping the ball down with a towel does not reduce germs.Instead, the towel may actually transmit germs to the surface of theball.

Given the size of the sports memorabilia market, there is significantinterest in the marketplace for unique tangible items having a directassociation with a sporting event or athlete. Historically, these itemsare created organically, for example, a folding chair that was removedfrom an arena or other venue prior to the renovation or demolition ofthe venue, an item of athletic equipment that was used during an eventor a photograph that captures a defining moment of a game or othersporting event. However, this approach greatly limits the volume ofmemorabilia that is available to collect and to sell.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Therefore, there is a need for apparatus, systems and methods thatprovide sports memorabilia by allowing items to be integrated into asports event or a sports venue on a temporary basis. These items can beincluded prior to a start of the event or during a break in game-play.For example, an item of sports memorabilia can be secured to a scorer'stable, a goal or a net used during the event. In various embodiments,the item can include any of logos and art work including branding,promotional or marketing messages.

According to one aspect, a label configured to attach to sports nettingis provided. The label can be employed to provide durable, removablelabels that can include custom branding and be secured to a sports netto create an item of sports memorabilia. Depending on the embodiment,the label can be attached to netting such as a basketball net, a soccernet, a tennis net, a volleyball net, a lacrosse net or a field hockeynet as some examples.

According to some embodiments, the removable labels include a brand formarketing purposes. That is, the labels can promote a brand that isdisplayed for the period that the label is affixed to the net. A goalnet is often the focal point for fans whether they are in attendance orviewing the game via television/video. Consequently, marketing indiciaincluded on a label secured to the net receives repeated views by thefans. Various embodiments allow for durable labels that are easily andsecurely fastened to a basketball net or other sports netting withoutthe use of tools. Further, any form of indicia can be printed on thefront surface of the label. These can include alpha-numeric text as wellas art work. According to one embodiment, the logo or other indicia areapplied to the front surface of the label using heat transfertechnology. These embodiments are also constructed so that the labeldoes not interfere with game play and can quickly be removed by handwithout the use of tools. The labels are also constructed to securelyattach to the sports net such that the label does not pose a risk ofinjury to the players while also not interfering with the performance ofthe net.

According to some embodiments, a label includes a body having a frontsurface configured to display graphics with the label attached to thesports netting and a rear surface including a central adhesive region, aplurality of tabs extending radially outward from the body, and aplurality of foldable regions wherein each of the plurality of tabs isconnected to the body by one of the plurality of foldable regions,respectively. In these embodiments, each of the plurality of tabs have arear surface including a second adhesive region, respectively. Each ofthe plurality of foldable regions includes an adhesive-free rear surfaceconfigured to contact the sports netting with the label securelyattached to the sports netting. The central adhesive region and each ofthe respective second adhesive regions are sized and located such thatcontact is absent between the adhesive regions and the sports nettingwith the label securely attached to the sports netting. According to oneembodiment, each of the plurality of tabs is defined by an edge thatextends from a first attachment to the body at a first end of one of theplurality of foldable regions to a second attachment to the body at asecond end of the one of the plurality of foldable regions where theedge forms an acute angle at a distal end of the tab. In someembodiments, the edge forms an obtuse angle at the first attachment tothe body, and the edge forms an obtuse angle at the second attachment tothe body.

According to another embodiment, a label is provided where the label isconfigured to attach to sports netting. The label includes a bodyincluding a front surface configured to display graphics with the labelattached to the sports netting and a rear surface including a centraladhesive region. The label also includes a plurality of tabs extendingradially outward from the body, each of the plurality of tabs having arear surface including a second adhesive region, respectively, and aplurality of foldable regions wherein each of the plurality of tabs isconnected to the body by one of the plurality of foldable regions,respectively, each of the plurality of foldable regions including anadhesive-free rear surface. The label includes a label outer edge, and aplurality of fold lines each of the plurality of fold lines defined as alinear region substantially centered in one of the plurality of foldableregions and extending between a first intersection with the label outeredge and a second intersection with the label outer edge, respectively.According to another embodiment, the respective fold lines are locatedin a non-central region of the foldable regions. According to oneembodiment, each of the plurality of tabs is defined by an acutetriangle formed in a region between one of the plurality of fold lines,a first portion of the label outer edge that extends from the firstintersection to a distal end of the respective tab and a second portionof the label edge that extends from the second intersection to thedistal end, where the first portion and the second portion meeting at anacute angle.

There is also a need for apparatus, systems and methods that reduce therisk of transmission of an infectious disease via a basketball alongwith a need for apparatus, systems and methods that assist in removingboth germs and moisture such as sweat from a basketball. According tovarious embodiments, a basketball net includes one or a combination ofantimicrobial, odor resistant, moisture absorbing and moisture wickingproperties. According to these embodiments, the basketball net operatesto clean the surface of the basketball as the basketball descendsthrough the net. These embodiments provide an approach that increasesthe hygiene of gameplay and gives players better control of thebasketball without the need to interrupt play or change basketballs.

During the current Covid-19 pandemic there is a heightened awareness andneed to practice additional measures of hygiene to prevent the spread ofgerms and disease.

According to one aspect, a basketball net, includes a multi-layer cordincluding each of an outer layer formed of a first antimicrobial,moisture wicking fiber and an inner layer including a secondantimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber. In some embodiments, the outerlayer is woven from a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn to forma wall that defines a central opening, and at least one cord is locatedwithin the central opening, the at least one cord formed by a secondantimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. In one embodiment, the at leastone cord includes a plurality of cords including a first cord formed bythe second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and a second cordincluding a third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. In a furtherembodiment, the plurality of cords includes: the first cord; the secondcord including the third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and atleast one monofiber yarn; and a third cord formed by a plurality ofmonofiber yarns.

According to another aspect, a basketball goal includes a backboard, arim configured to secure to the backboard and a basketball netconfigured to hang from the rim, the basketball net includes amulti-layer cord including each of an outer layer formed of a firstantimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber and an inner layer including asecond antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber. In some embodiments, theouter layer is woven from a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarnto form a wall that defines a central opening, and at least one cord islocated within the central opening, the at least one cord formed by asecond antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. In one embodiment, the atleast one cord includes a plurality of cords including a first cordformed by the second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and a secondcord including a third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. In afurther embodiment, wherein the plurality of cords includes: the firstcord; the second cord including the third antimicrobial, moisturewicking yarn and at least one monofiber yarn; and a third cord formed bya plurality of monofiber yarns.

According to still another aspect, a method of fabricating a basketballnet is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes acts of:providing a first yarn having both antimicrobial properties and moisturewicking properties; providing a second yarn having both antimicrobialproperties and moisture wicking properties; fabricating an outer cord ofthe basketball net from the first yarn, the outer cord defining acentral axial opening within the outer cord; fabricating an inner cordof the basketball net with the second yarn; and fabricating a net-cordmaterial by locating the inner cord longitudinally within the centralaxial opening.

In some embodiments, the method includes manufacturing the first yarnfrom a first synthetic fiber having antimicrobial nanoparticlesdistributed within the first synthetic fiber, and manufacturing thesecond yarn from a second synthetic fiber having antimicrobialnanoparticles distributed within the second synthetic fiber. In oneembodiment, the inner cord is a first inner cord, and the methodincludes: manufacturing a third yarn from a plurality of syntheticmonofibers; fabricating a second inner cord of the basketball net withthe third yarn; and fabricating the net-cord material by locating thesecond inner cord longitudinally within the central axial opening. Inanother embodiment, where the synthetic monofiber is a first syntheticmonofiber, the method includes: manufacturing a fourth yarn from thirdsynthetic fiber having antimicrobial nanoparticles distributed withinthe third synthetic fiber; manufacturing a fifth yarn from a pluralityof synthetic monofibers; fabricating a third inner cord from acombination of the fourth yarn and the fifth yarn; and fabricating thenet-cord material by locating the third inner cord longitudinally withinthe central axial opening.

In still another aspect, an antimicrobial, moisture wicking material forsports netting includes a multi-layer cord including each of an outerlayer formed of a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber and aninner layer including a second antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber. Insome embodiments, the outer layer is woven from a first antimicrobial,moisture wicking yarn to form a wall that defines a central opening, andat least one cord is located within the central opening, the at leastone cord formed by a second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn.

According to another aspect, a specialty basketball net is manufacturedfrom high-performance material with moisture wicking, moistureabsorbent, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial properties. According to someembodiments, the basketball net is sized and configured to be hung froma basketball rim inside a conventional net. In various embodiments, acolor of the specialty net is customizable. For example, the color canbe selected to highlight the increased player safety aspect provided bythe specialty net. This can include the use of fluorescent, day-glow orother Hi-Viz colors.

According to yet another aspect, an otherwise conventional basketballnet includes added strings secured to the conventional basketball net.According to these embodiments, these added strings are manufacturedfrom high-performance material with moisture wicking, moistureabsorbent, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial properties. The strings can besecured on the inside of the central opening of the conventionalbasketball net.

According to still another aspect, a basketball net includes largediameter knots. According to these embodiments, large diameter knotsinclude high-performance material with moisture wicking, moistureabsorbent, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial properties. In someembodiments, the large diameter knots are located only in a centralregion of the net.

As used herein, the term “antimicrobial” when used to refer to acompound, process or product means that the compound, process or productincludes the characteristic of destroying or inhibiting the growth ofmicroorganisms including both bacteria and viruses. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein thatantimicrobial properties are effective in destroying or inhibiting viruscells such as COVID-19.

As used herein, the term “basketball goal” refers to a basketball goalsystem that includes at least a rim and a basketball net. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure hereinthat a basketball goal can also include a backboard, an extensionarm/boom, pole, weighted base and or other support structure thatsecures the combination of the rim and the backboard at the desiredlocation and elevation.

As used herein, the term “string” refers to any material that has alength dimension that is larger than its width dimension such that whenused to construct a basketball net, the net includes a series ofopenings where the openings provide the majority of the surface area ofan overall shape defined by the net when hung from a rim. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure hereinthat a string can include a single homogenous material, a wovenmaterial, extruded or printed material, and further, that a string caninclude natural material(s), synthetic material(s) or a combination ofnatural and synthetic materials. Further, those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize based on the disclosure herein that a string caninclude a cord of material with a circular cross section but may alsoinclude materials that have an overall square or rectangularcross-sectional shape. That is, a string need not define a cylindricalshape. Accordingly, material can be manufactured in sheets including aseries of openings defined by “strings” of material where the openingsprovide the majority of the surface area of an overall shape defined bythe net when hung from a rim. Further, a basketball net can bemanufactured in solid sheets that are stamped or die cut to form aseries of openings defined by “strings” of material where the openingsprovide the majority of the surface area of an overall shape defined bythe net when hung from a rim. In various approaches, the “sheets” ofmaterial can include fabric.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In thedrawings, each identical or nearly identical component that isillustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. Forpurposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in everydrawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a basketball goal of the prior art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a basketball goal including a basketball net inaccordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a basketball goal including a basketball net inaccordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates another view of the basketball goal of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a basketball net in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 6A illustrates a basketball net in accordance with a furtherembodiment;

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a string included in thebasketball net illustrated in FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a label in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a label in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a label in accordance with a third embodiment;

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate a label in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a label in accordance with a fifth embodiment;

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate a label in accordance with a sixth embodiment;and

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a label in accordance with a seventhembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is not limited in its application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangement of components set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carriedout in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used hereinis for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,”“containing”, “involving”, and variations thereof herein, is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items.

Referring to FIG. 2, a basketball goal 200 including a net 205 isillustrated in accordance with a first embodiment. The basketball goal200 also includes a rim 202 and a backboard 204. The rim 202 includes aflange that is used to secure the rim 202 to the backboard 204. The rim202 also includes a series of hooks evenly spaced at locations aroundthe rim. Various types of support structure (not illustrated) can beemployed to secure the basketball goal 200 at the desired location andheight.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the net 205 includes a firstplurality of strings 206, a second plurality of strings 207, a firstplurality of knots 208, a second plurality of knots and a plurality ofopenings 210. According to the illustrated embodiment, the firstplurality of strings 206 are located in an upper region of the net 205.The first plurality of strings 206 are referred to as loops and theloops are employed to attach the net 205 to the rim 202. According tothese embodiments, the second plurality of strings 207 are located inthe region below the first plurality of strings 206. The secondplurality of strings 207 are referred to as mesh. The loops are attachedto the mesh with the first plurality of knots 208. The second pluralityof strings 207 are connected to one another by the second plurality ofknots 209 to form the opening 210. The openings 210 generally have anoverall triangle or diamond-like shape with the knots 208, 209 locatedat some of the attachment points of the strings 206. The loops areemployed to attach the top of the net 205 to the rim 202 using thehooks. As used herein, the term “loop region” refers to the portions ofthe net 205 between the attachment to the rim 202 and the firstplurality of knots 208. As used herein, the term “mesh region” refers tothe portions of the net 205 from the first plurality of knots 208 to thebottom of the net 205.

With the net 205 secured to the rim 202 and hanging in a relaxed state,the net 205 has an overall conical shape. That is the diameter of acentral opening defined by the top of the net 205 is substantially thesame as the inside diameter of the opening defined by the rim 202. Ineach case, the diameter is slightly larger than the outside diameter ofa basketball. However, the upper half of the net 205 tapers inward suchthat the central and lower regions of the net 205 (i.e., the meshregion) define a central opening in the net that is smaller in diameterthan the opening at the top of the net 205. Consequently, the centralopening in the bottom half of the net 205 is smaller than the outsidediameter of the basketball. According to one embodiment, the net 205 isfrom 15″ to 18″ in length and the string 206 is manufactured from awoven material with a thread count of between 30 and 120 threads.

The construction of the net 205 provides it with a dynamic response as abasketball falls through it. In particular, the openings 205 aretemporarily deformed as a basketball drops through the rim 202 and intothe net 205. The deformation temporarily shortens the overall length ofthe net 205 and temporarily increases the inside diameter of the centralopening in the central and lower regions of the net 205. As a result,the descent of the basketball is slowed and its direction of travel isaffected to reduce the distance that the ball travels from thebasketball goal 200 when it exits the net 205.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the net 205 has a conventionalappearance but has moisture wicking, moisture absorbent, anti-odorand/or antimicrobial properties. According to one embodiment, the string206 includes a conventional basketball net 205 manufactured from wovenfibers, for example, cotton, polyester or other materials. According tosome embodiments, the material of construction is selected because thematerial has moisture wicking properties. The net 205 can be treatedwith an antimicrobial chemical or chemical compound. According to someembodiments, the antimicrobial compound is sprayed onto the surface ofthe net 205. According to other embodiments, the net 205 is dipped in anantimicrobial solution. According to other embodiments, the net 205 ismanufactured from a high-performance material with antimicrobialproperties inherent in the material. For example, the thread or yarnused to weave the strings 206 can include inherent antimicrobialproperties while also promoting moisture movement and/or moistureabsorption. According to further embodiments, the strings 206 caninclude multiple individual woven strings that are woven together orsecured within another sheath of fiber or another material, for example,a moisture wicking material. In one embodiment where multiple individualstrings are separately woven and then sheathed or otherwise boundtogether, the individual strings include the same moisture wicking,moisture absorbent, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial properties. Accordingto another embodiment, each of the individual strings provides a subsetof properties desired in the overall net 205. For example, a first typeof string can include antimicrobial properties. A second type of stringcan include moisture wicking and/or moisture absorbing properties. Inthis embodiment, the first type of string and the second type of stringare woven, sheathed, bound or otherwise secured together to provide theoverall net 205 with each of the desired properties.

Depending on the embodiment, the antimicrobial properties can beachieved using compounds or materials that include silver or copper.According to another embodiments, the antimicrobial properties areprovided by soaking the net 205 in a solution that has a high ethylalcohol content. According to one embodiment, the solution includes atleast 60% ethyl alcohol. According to one embodiment, the net 205 istreated with a gel includes that includes at least 60% ethyl alcohol.The use of ethyl alcohol is suitable where the dampness of the net 205is not a concern. The quick drying nature of ethyl alcohol is alsoadvantageous because the surface of the basketball can be cleanedwithout leaving moisture on the ball for any length of time.

According to further embodiments, only strings 206 in a limited regionof the net 205 have the moisture wicking, moisture absorbing and/orantimicrobial properties. For example, strings 206 in either or both ofthe central and lower regions of the net 205 include high-performancematerials with any one or any combination of moisture wicking, moistureabsorbing and/or antimicrobial properties. In one embodiment,conventional materials are employed for the strings in the upper half ofthe net 205 and the high-performance materials form the lower half ofthe net 205. The high-performance strings can be attached to the lowerends of the conventional upper strings using knots, by splicing, loopingand/or applying adhesive.

In yet another embodiment, an added set of strings is added to either orboth of the central and the lower regions of the net 205. In thisembodiment, the added set of strings is manufactured fromhigh-performance materials with any one or any combination of moisturewicking, moisture absorbing and/or antimicrobial properties. The addedset of strings can be attached to the strings 206 at one end or bothends of the added string. In the first approach, the added stringsdangle downward from their point of attachment with the opposite endfree to move about as the ball drops through the net 205. In eitherapproach, the added set of strings is located on an inside of the net205 to ensure that the added strings make contact with the ball.

When in use, the net 205 operates to wipe the surface of the basketballeach time a shot drops through the net 205. In this manner, theantimicrobial and moisture wicking properties are applied to variousparts of the exterior surface of the ball to clean and dry the ball in amanner that removes sweat and removes or inhibits the growth ofmicroorganisms.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a basketball goal 300 including an outerbasketball net 305 and an inner basketball net 315 is illustrated inaccordance with a second embodiment. The basketball goal 300 alsoincludes a rim 312 and a backboard 314. The rim 312 includes a flangethat is used to secure the rim 312 to the backboard 314. The rim 312also includes a series of hooks evenly spaced at locations around therim 312. Various types of support structure (not illustrated) can beemployed to secure the basketball goal 300 at the desired location andheight.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner net 315 includes aplurality of strings 316, a plurality of attachment points 318A, 318B,318C and a plurality of openings 319. The strings 316 are connected toone another at the attachment points 318A, 318B, 318C to form theopening 319. The openings 319 in the regions between the strings 316generally have an overall triangle or diamond-like shape. The top of theinner net 315 is attached to the rim 312 using the hooks. According tothe illustrated embodiment, the outer net 305 and the inner net 315 areattached to the rim using the same set of hooks. With the net 315secured to the rim 312 and hanging in a relaxed state, the openings 319located in the upper region of the net 315 are larger in size than theopenings 319 located in the lower half of the net. For example, theopenings 319 at the top of the net 315 that are secured to the rim 312provide the largest openings 319. In addition, the inner net 315 has agenerally conical overall shape when hanging from the rim 312 in arelaxed state. That is, the diameter of a central opening defined by thetop of the inner net 315 is substantially the same as the insidediameter of the opening defined by the rim 312. In each case, thediameter is slightly larger than the outside diameter of a basketball.However, the upper half of the inner net 315 tapers inward such that thecentral and lower regions of the inner net 315 define a central openingin the net that is smaller in diameter than the opening at the top ofthe inner net 315. Consequently, the central opening in the bottom halfof the inner net 315 is smaller than the outside diameter of thebasketball. The construction of the inner net 315 provides it with adynamic response as a basketball passes through it as described abovewith reference to the net 205.

The inner net 315 can be manufactured from a high-performance materialwith moisture wicking, moisture absorbent, anti-odor and/orantimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial, moisture wicking, moistureabsorbent and/or anti-odor properties can be provided using any of theapproaches described above with reference to the net 205 illustrated anddescribed with reference to FIG. 2. For example, the antimicrobialproperties can be provided by treating the material of the inner net 315with an antimicrobial compound. According to some embodiments, anantimicrobial compound is sprayed onto the surface of the inner net 315,that is, sprayed on the surface of the strings 316. According to otherembodiments, the inner net 315 is dipped in an antimicrobial solution toprovide the strings 316 with antimicrobial properties. According toother embodiments, the strings 316 included in the inner net 315 aremanufactured from a high-performance material with antimicrobialproperties inherent in the material of manufacture. According to any ofthe preceding embodiments, the inner net 315 includes strings 316manufactured from woven synthetic fibers. According to some embodiments,the tightness of the weave is adjusted to improve the moisture wickingand/or antimicrobial properties of the inner net 315. For example, alooser weave can provide increased surface area for the application ofan antimicrobial compound by increasing the available surface area ofthe string 316. A looser weave may also increase the moisture wickingcapabilities of the strings 316. According to other embodiments, atighter weave is employed to provide a greater mass of materialavailable to wick and absorb moisture from the surface of the ball.

The attachment points 318A, 318B, 318C are employed to secure differentsegments of the string 316 to one another. This maintains the overallshape of the inner net 315 through repeated use. For example, the insidediameter of the inner net 315 and overall conical shape of the net 315are maintained with the different segments of the string 316 secured toone another at the attachment points 318A, 318B, 318C. Depending on theembodiment, the attachment points 318A, 318B, 318C can include knots,stitching, or combinations of the preceding to secure the differentstrings 316 to one another. Further, as described with reference to FIG.5, the thickness of the material in the region of the attachments can beincreased to increase the contact pressure applied to the basketball asit drops through the inner net 315. In various embodiments, this featureaids in removing sweat from the basketball as it passes through theinner net 315 while also aiding in the cleaning of the outer surface ofthe basketball to remove germs.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner net 315 has anoverall conical shape when hanging from the rim 312. However, the lengthand the average diameter of the inner net 315 are smaller than thelength and the average diameter of the outer net 305. This allows theinner net 315 to be received within the outer net 305.

In various embodiments, the outer net 305 is constructed of atraditional and standard basketball net made of material such as cottonor polyester for indoor and outdoor play, or chain link metal foroutdoor play. According to some embodiments, the inner net 315 is sewedor otherwise attached to the outer net 305 at selected locations. Thisclose integration of the inner net 315 with the outer net 305 can assistin giving the basketball goal 300 a traditional appearance. According toanother aspect, the manner that the inner and outer nets are sewedtogether allows the combined net to look and function like a standardbasketball net, while also offering moisture wicking/absorbing andantimicrobial properties.

According to still further embodiments, the inner net 315 can beinstalled and removed independent of the outer net 305. Theseembodiments provide flexibility that allows an athlete or a group ofathletes to arrive at a basketball court (for example, a publicbasketball court) with a moisture wicking/absorbing and antimicrobialinner net 315. The inner net 315 can be temporarily secured to the rim312 in a conventional manner to locate the inner net 315 within aconventional outer net 305. The athletes can participate in a practiceor game with the inner net 315 installed to improve their performanceand player safety. Specifically, the moisture wicking aspects of theinner net 315 delivers a drier ball to the athletes after a successfulshot. The antimicrobial aspect of the inner net 315 reduces the risk oftransmitting infection between athletes via the ball. The owner of theinner net 315 can remove the inner net 315 following a completion of thepractice or game and while leaving the conventional inner net 305 inplace for continued use by other athletes.

Regardless of whether or not the inner net 315 and the outer net 305 arepermanently attached to one another, the netting can be removed to allowthe inner net 315 to be removed for a reapplication of an antimicrobialcompound. For example, an application of the antimicrobial compound byspraying the compound onto the surface of the inner net 315 or dippingthe inner net 315 in an antimicrobial solution or gel.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a front view of a basketball goal 300 inaccordance with the second embodiment is shown. FIG. 4 illustrates theouter net 305, the rim 312, the backboard 314 and the inner net 315.FIG. 4 also illustrates an inside diameter D of the rim 312. As isapparent in FIG. 4, both the inner diameter of the inner net 315 and theinner diameter of the outer net 305 are substantially equal to the innerdiameter D at the point of attachment of the nets 305, 315 to the rim312.

Some embodiments include a net that has regions of having an increasedthickness to increase the contact pressure applied by the net on thesurface of the basketball. Referring now to FIG. 5, an embodiment of abasketball goal includes a basketball net 525 including strings 526, afirst set of knots 528 and a second set of knots 530. The net 525 isconstructed with the string 526 and knots 528, 530 to define a series ofopenings 529 in the manner generally described above with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3. The overall conical shape of the net 525 includes anupper region 532, a central region 534 and a lower region 536. Thesecond set of knots 530 include a plurality of knots 531 that includehigh-performance materials with any one or any combination of moisturewicking, moisture absorbing, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial properties.

In various embodiments, the plurality of knots 531 have a larger outsidediameter than a conventional knot. The larger diameter can be a resultof an addition of material that includes any of moisture wicking,moisture absorbing, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial properties. Theseproperties can be provided in the manner described above regarding thenets 205 and 315. Further depending on the embodiment, the addeddiameter can be achieved by “double knotting” the connection pointsbetween the strings or adding additional material to wrap on an exteriorof an otherwise conventionally sized knot, for example, the knots 528.According to one embodiment, the net 525 is a conventional netmanufactured from woven fibers, for example, cotton, polyester or othermaterials. In this embodiment, the net 525 may only have moisturewicking, moisture absorbing, anti-odor and/or antimicrobial propertiesat the plurality of knots 531. According to another embodiment, theentire net is manufactured from a high-performance material withmoisture wicking, moisture absorbing, anti-odor and/or antimicrobialproperties. In either embodiment, a high-performance material is bewrapped around the conventional knots as an added layer to create adenser surface area that will allow additional contact and friction withthe ball as it passes through the net.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of knots 530includes a first knot 531A, a second knot 531B, a third knot 531C and afourth knot 531D. While not illustrated, these larger diameter knots canbe located for 360 degrees about the net 525. In the illustratedembodiment, the upper region 532 does not include any large diameterknots 530. The lower region 536 also does not include any large diameterknots 530. Instead, the second set of knots 530 are disposed in thecentral region 534. The central region 534 has the smallest insidediameter. Accordingly, the maximum amount of contact andcontact-pressure between the net 525 and the basketball is available inthe central region 534. With the second set of knots 530 located in thecenter region 534, the basketball is subject to the maximum amount ofwiping pressure as the ball drops through the net 525.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, details of construction of abasketball net 640 is illustrated in accordance with variousembodiments. The basketball net 640 is constructed with string 642 thatincludes an outer cord 644 and an inner cord 646. Depending on theembodiment, the string 642 can be employed to construct any of: the net205 illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 2; the outerbasketball net 305 and/or the inner basketball net 315 described withreference to FIG. 3; the net 525 illustrated and described withreference to FIG. 5. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in view of the disclosure provided herein, the string 642 can beemployed to construct other types of basketball nets or other nets forathletic equipment in various alternate embodiments. According tovarious embodiments, either or both of the outer cord 644 and the innercord 646 include antimicrobial and moisture wicking characteristics. Inthese embodiments, the construction of the strings employed in thebasketball net provide a layered construction with an outer layerprovided by the outer cord 644 and an inner layer provided by the innercord 646. Applicants find that the use of antimicrobial, moisturewicking fiber in both the inner layer and the outer layer provides ahighly effective approach to reduce the moisture and microorganisms thatare otherwise found on the exterior surface of a basketball when in use.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the inner cord 646 includes aplurality of cords including a first cord 647, a second cord 648 and athird cord 649. In various embodiments, the materials and constructionof the first cord 646, the second cord 648 and the third cord 649 areselected together such that the inner cord 646 provides antimicrobialand moisture wicking characteristics in combination with the strengthand durability required of a basketball net. According to oneembodiment, the outer cord 644 is manufactured of an antimicrobialmoisture wicking yarn that is braided into a cord to form a wall thatdefines a hollow central region running axially along the longitudinalaxis of the cord. For example, FIG. 6B provides a cross-sectional viewof the string 642. The cross-sectional view illustrates a hollow centralregion 643 formed within the outer cord 644. According to theillustrated embodiment, each of the first cord 647, the second cord 648and the third cord 649 are located axially within the hollow centralregion 643. In various embodiments, each of the outer cord 644 and theinner cord 646 are flexible. As a result, the shape of the hollowcentral region can change dynamically when in use. Similarly, the threeinner cords 647, 648, 649 can flex within the hollow central region 643and may contact one another and/or the inside region of the wall formedby the outer cord 644. According to one embodiment, an AEROSILVERantimicrobial moisture wicking yarn is employed in fabricating each ofthe outer cord 644 and the inner cord 646.

According to various embodiments, the outer cord 644 is manufacturedfrom an antimicrobial moisture wicking synthetic yarn, for example, apolyester yarn. In some embodiments, the yarn includes nanoparticleswithin the volume of the yarn. In further embodiments, the nanoparticlescan include silver, copper, a combination of the preceding or acombination of any of the preceding and nanoparticles including othermaterials. In some embodiments, the yarn is manufactured such thatnanoparticles are distributed substantially uniformly within the yarn.In one embodiment, the outer cord 644 is manufactured from silvernanoparticle woven polyester fiber.

Applicants find that the overall strength, antimicrobial and moisturewicking performance of the net 640 is improved when the inner cords 647,648, 649 provide a combination of these features. Further, the use of aplurality of inner cords can improve both the performance and themanufacturability of the net 640. According to some embodiments, thefirst cord 647 is fabricated entirely from an antimicrobial moisturewicking yarns. In one embodiment, the first cord 647 can include aplurality of yarns including antimicrobial moisture wicking properties.According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial moisture wicking yarnemployed to fabricate the first cord 467 includes a linear density of300 Denier or greater. According to another embodiment, the first cord647 includes four yarns having the same denier and the sameantimicrobial and moisture wicking properties.

According to some embodiments, the second cord 648 includes both anantimicrobial moisture wicking yarn and a monofiber yarn. For example,the second cord 648 can include a combination of yarns includingantimicrobial moisture wicking yarn and a monofiber yarn braidedtogether.

According to one embodiment, the third cord 649 is manufactured as asynthetic monofiber, for example, polyethylene that does not includeantimicrobial or moisture wicking features. In a further embodiment, aplurality of polyethylene monofibers are included in the third cord 649.According to one embodiment, twenty individual synthetic monofibers areincluded in the third cord 649.

An inner cord 646 manufactured with the above-described embodiments ofthe first cord 647, the second cord 648, and the third cord 649 providesa net 640 with that is antimicrobial and moisture wicking with thestrength and durability for extended use while also delivering a netmaterial that quickly absorbs moisture to allow the net 640 to remaindry to the touch during use with a basketball that may be covered insweat.

In additional embodiments, the materials of construction of the firstcord 647, the second cord 648, and the third cord 649, respectively, canbe varied to increase selected characteristics of the basketball net640. For example, the antimicrobial and moisture wicking characteristicscan be increased by including antimicrobial and moisture wicking fibersin each of the three cords 647, 648, 649. According to one embodiment,each of the first cord 647, the second cord 648, and the third cord 649,respectively, are manufactured using only antimicrobial and moisturewicking yarns. In other examples, the strength and durability of thebasketball net 640 are increased by including monofiber in each of thethree cords 647, 648, 649. According to one embodiment, each of thefirst cord 647, the second cord 648, and the third cord 649,respectively, are manufactured using only monofiber. In yet anotherembodiment, each of the first cord 647, the second cord 648, and thethird cord 649, respectively, include both an antimicrobial moisturewicking yarn and a monofiber yarn. For example, each of the three cords647, 648, 649 can include a combination of yarns including antimicrobialmoisture wicking yarn and a monofiber yarn braided together.

According to some embodiments, the first plurality of strings 206 isconstructed differently than the second plurality of strings 207. Theseembodiments can be employed to increase the strength and durability ofthe loop region of the net (that is, the upper region of the net that isattached directly to the rim) relative to the mesh (or lower) region ofthe net. For example, the first plurality of strings 206 can include anouter cord of antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber, as described abovewith reference to the outer cord 644, and inner cords whereantimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber is absent. In one embodiment, thefirst plurality of strings 206 are constructed using three inner cordslocated within a hollow central region formed by the outer cord whereeach of the three inner cords only includes monofiber yarn.

The antimicrobial and moisture wicking fibers and yarns described hereinare silver infused. For example, embodiments of the basketball net 205,305, 525 and 640 include a silver nanoparticle polyester fiber can bemanufactured via a melted blend. In addition to a silver nanoparticleresin, the blend can include one or more of a UV stabilizer,antioxidant, nitrogen oxide gas yellowing inhibitor, adhesion promoter,chlorine remover, a quencher or other elements either alone or incombination with one or more of the preceding. According to someembodiments, these additives can be added to the melted blend along withthe antimicrobial silver nanoparticle resin.

Applicants have found that the available antimicrobial moisture wickingyarns may not be strong enough for use in a basketball net. For example,Applicants find that a 150 denier antimicrobial moisture wicking yarn ison its own unsuitable for constructing a basketball net. According tosome embodiments, a conventional antimicrobial moisture wicking yarn(for example, a conventional yarn manufactured from AEROSILVER) iscovered with another antimicrobial moisture wicking yarn to increase thelinear density and the strength of the yarn. This covered antimicrobialmoisture wicking yarn is then employed in manufacture of the outer cord644. The antimicrobial moisture wicking covered yarn can also beemployed in the manufacture of the first cord 647 and the second cord648. According to one embodiment, the antimicrobial moisture wickingyarn employed in constructing the basketball net 640 includes a firstantimicrobial moisture wicking yarn having a first denier and a firstthread count covered by a second antimicrobial moisture wicking yarnhaving a second denier and a second thread count. In variousembodiments, the first antimicrobial moisture wicking yarn and thesecond antimicrobial moisture wicking yarn have the same denier and thesame thread count as one another. According to these embodiments, theantimicrobial moisture wicking yarn constructed by covering a first yarnwith a second yarn produces an antimicrobial moisture wicking yarnhaving twice the denier and twice the thread count of either yarn alone.As used herein, the term “cover,” “covering” or “covered” when referringto the construction of a yarn means wrapping at least one yarn aroundanother.

While the preceding describes various embodiments including one or morematerials employed in combination to construct the basketball net 640,other combinations of manufacturing techniques and materials can beemployed in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, anantimicrobial solution can be applied to a basketball net. The precedingincludes embodiments in which the antimicrobial spray is applied to anet that includes antimicrobial fibers and also embodiments in which theantimicrobial spray is applied to a basketball net having a conventionalconstruction. According to one embodiment, an emulsion is sprayed onto asilver-infused fabric employed to construct a basketball net. Further,the embodiments described with reference to the basketball net 640 caninclude different variations to provide the desired combination ofantimicrobial, moisture wicking durable performance. In one embodiment,the outer cord 644 includes anti-microbial moisture wicking fibers butthe inner cord 646 does not. In this embodiment, the inner cord 646 canbe manufactured solely of monofiber to maximize the strength anddurability of the net 640.

In another embodiment, the inner cord 646 includes anti-microbialmoisture wicking fibers but the outer cord 644 does not. In thisembodiment, the net construction may improve the antimicrobial moisturewicking properties of the net when compared with a conventional netwhile still providing a durable long lasting product.

In yet another embodiment, a plurality of antimicrobial pegs are locatedwithin the hollow central region 643 of the net 640. Depending on theembodiment, the “pegs” can include solid or tubular cylindrical elementswith antimicrobial properties. The pegs can be provided in variouslengths to allow use throughout different locations in either or both ofthe loop region and the mesh region of the net.

When in use, the net 640 wipes the surface of the basketball each time ashot drops through the net 640. The outer cord 644 provides a firstlayer to wick-up the moisture wiped off the surface of the basketball.In this manner, the antimicrobial and moisture wicking properties areapplied to various parts of the exterior surface of the ball to cleanand dry the ball in a manner that removes sweat and removes or inhibitsthe growth of microorganisms. According to some embodiments, the outercord 644 including antimicrobial properties also captures germs, virusesand other microbes carried by the absorbed moisture. In addition, theinner cord 646 provides a second layer to wick the moisture from theouter cord 644 to an interior region of the cord. This further reducesthe likelihood that an athlete will contact moisture that includesmicroorganisms. Applicant finds that the use of moisture wickingantimicrobial fiber in multiple layers removes moisture from theexterior of the net 640 so that it is almost immediately dry to thetouch when the outer surface of the net becomes wet.

In today's world, the branding of teams and athletes is a huge part ofcreating value in any item of sports memorabilia. FIGS. 7-13 illustratevarious durable, removable labels that can include custom branding andbe secured to a basketball net to create an item of sports memorabilia.According to some embodiments, the removable labels include a brand formarketing purposes. That is, the labels can promote a brand that isdisplayed for the period that the label is affixed to the net. Abasketball net is the focal point for fans whether they are inattendance or viewing the game via television/video. Consequently,marketing indicia included on a label secured to the front of the netwill receive repeated views by the fans. Various embodiments allow fordurable labels that are easily and securely fastened to a basketballnet. Further, any form of indicia can be printed on the front surface ofthe label. These can include alpha and numeric text as well as art work.According to one embodiment, the logo or other indicia are applied tothe front surface of the label using heat transfer technology. Theseembodiments are also constructed so that the label does not interferewith game play and can quickly be removed by hand without using anytools. The labels are also constructed to securely attach to the netsuch that the label does not pose a risk of injury to the players whilealso not interfering with the performance of the net.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7E, a label 750 is illustrated in accordancewith a first embodiment. FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of the label750. The label 750 includes a body 752, a front surface 753 and aplurality of tabs 754A-754D. Each of the plurality of tabs 754A, 754B,754C and 754D extend radially outward from a respective corner of thebody 752 and include an angle α where the outer edges of the tab meet ata distal end of the tab. A single angle α illustrated in FIG. 7A isrepresentative of the angle found at a distal end of each of theplurality of tabs 754A-754D. The label 750 includes an edge that definesan outside edge of the body 752 and of the tabs 754A-754D. An outer edgeof the body extends along an outer edge of the label 750 including afirst edge 751A that extends between the first tab 754A and the secondtab 754B, and a second edge that extends between the second tab 754B andthe third tab 754C. In operation, each of the tabs 754A-754D foldsrearward along a respective fold line. A single fold line 759illustrated in phantom is representative of the fold lines associatedwith each of the plurality of tabs 754A-754D. The fold line 759 extendsbetween an attachment between an outer edge of the second tab 754B andthe first edge 751A and an attachment between an outer edge of thesecond tab 754B and the second edge 751B. An angle of attachment wherethe edge of the respective tab meets the edge of the body forms anobtuse angle. For example, a first obtuse angle β is formed where theedge of the second tab 754B meets the first edge 751A. A second obtuseangle β is formed where the edge of the second tab 754B meets the secondedge 751B. The pair of angles β illustrated in FIG. 7A arerepresentative of the angles found at each location where a tab attachesto the body 752.

As is described in further detail below, the geometry of construction ofthe label 750 provides a shape that is beneficial to maintaining a longlife of the basketball net through a repeated application of a label inthe same region of the netting. That is, to provide the label with ashape that allows the label to be securely attached to the net whileavoiding contact between the adhesive and the basketball net.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a logo 755 is centrally locatedon the front surface 753. According to some embodiments, the label 750is manufactured of a synthetic material including elastane, for example,Lycra or Spandex synthetic fiber.

FIG. 7B illustrates a rear view of the label 750. In variousembodiments, the rear side of the plurality of tabs 745A-754D include anadhesive. The rear side includes a rear surface 757 and a plurality ofadhesive regions 756A-756D each located on the rear surface of one ofthe plurality of tabs 745A-754D, respectively. The label 750 alsoincludes a central adhesive region 758 located on the rear surface 757.An adhesive-free region 761 exists between each of the adhesive regions756A-756D, respectively, and the central adhesive region 758. In someembodiments, the surface area of the adhesive free region 761 iscontrolled by selecting a desired radius of the central adhesive region758 and a radial length of each of the plurality of adhesive regions756A-756D. A proper selection of these dimension provides sufficientspace to locate a string 760 included in a basketball net. Inparticular, the dimensions are established to allow the string 760 to besecurely enclosed when the tabs 745A-745D are folded rearward whileavoiding contact between the string 760 and either the central adhesiveregion 758 or any of the plurality of adhesive regions 756A-756D.Applicant finds that this prevents damage to the string 760 that wouldotherwise occur.

FIG. 7C illustrates a front view of the label 750 in a configurationwhere the plurality of tabs 754A-754D are folded rearward to place eachof the plurality of tabs 754A-754D, respectively, in contact with therear of the label 750 as is illustrated and described in greater detailbelow with reference to FIG. 7E. According to this embodiment, therearward fold allows each of the plurality of adhesive regions 756A-756Dto be placed in contact with the central adhesive region 758. In variousembodiments, the bond formed between the each of the respectiveplurality of adhesive regions 756A-756D and the central adhesive region758 is secure but temporary. According to various embodiments, VELCROhook and loop style fastening material is employed for each of theplurality of adhesive regions 756A-756D and the central adhesive region758. In various embodiments, other forms of adhesive can be employed ifthey will stay securely attached when subject to typical wear and tearthat a basketball net is subject to while also providing a releasableattachment. In various embodiments, the adhesive strength and manner offastening allow the label to be removed from the net by hand without theuse of tools. These alternative fastening means can include snaps, ties,other mechanical fastening means, or glue that provides a releasablebond.

FIG. 7D illustrates a front view of the label 750 with the label securedto the strings 760 included in a basketball net. When attached asillustrated the front surface 753 of the body 752 is unobstructed whenviewed from the net. This clearly displays the logo 755 when attached tothe net. Further, the manner of attachment provides the label with asecure attachment at each of four corners.

As illustrated in FIG. 7E, when in operation, each of the plurality oftabs 754A-754D is folded rearward toward the rear surface 757 to wraparound the string 760. Each of the plurality of tabs 754A-754D ispressed into engagement with the body 752. This presses each of therespective adhesive regions included in the plurality of adhesiveregions 756A-756D into engagement with the central adhesive region 758.Thus, securely trapping the string within a corner of the label 750.Applicant finds that adhesive such as Velcro fasteners can cause frayingor other damage to the strings 760 when they are repeatedly placed incontact with one another. Both the shape and the location of theadhesive allow the label 750 to be employed to fasten the label securelyand temporarily 750 to the basketball net without contact between theadhesive regions located on the back of the label 750 and the strings760.

Applicant finds that a combination of the shape of the label 750 andsize and shape of each of: the body 752, the plurality of tabs754A-754D, the plurality of adhesive regions 756A-756D, and the centraladhesive region 758, respectively, provide the benefits described here.For example, referring again to FIG. 7A, a shape of each of theplurality of tabs 754A-754D is defined in part by the angle α located atthe distal end of each tab. Selection of an acute angle (those less than90 degrees) at the distal end of each of the plurality of tabs 754A-754Dbrings the distal end to a relatively narrow point when compared withobtuse angles (those between 90 and 180 degrees). The selection of theseangles α as acute angles restricts the width of the respective tabs.Similarly, a width of the base of each of the plurality of tabs754A-754D is defined in part by the pair of angles β found at eachlocation where a tab attaches to the body 752. This selection acts torestrict the width of the respective tabs. According to the illustratedembodiment, the combined selection of the angles α as acute angles andthe pairs of angles β as obtuse angles define the plurality of tabs754A-754D having a shape that is configured to prevent contact betweenand the string 760 included in the sports netting and each of theadhesive regions 756A-756D located on the rear surface of the tabs whenthe label 750 is attached to the sports netting as illustrated in FIGS.7D and 7E.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8D, a label is illustrated in accordance witha second embodiment. FIG. 8A illustrates a front view of the label 850.The label 850 includes a body 852, a front surface 853 and a pluralityof tabs 862A-862D. Each of the plurality of tabs 862A, 862B, 862C and862D extend radially outward from a respective corner of the body 852. Alogo 855 is centrally located on the front surface 853. FIG. 8Billustrates a rear view of the label 850 including a rear surface 867.As viewed from the rear, the label 850 includes a plurality of adhesiveregions 864A-864D each adhesive region located on the rear surface ofone of the plurality of tabs 862A-862D, respectively. The label 850 alsoincludes a central adhesive region 866 located on the rear surface 857.

FIG. 8C illustrates a front view of the label 850 in a configurationwhere the plurality of tabs 862A-862D are folded backwards to place eachof the plurality of tabs 862A-862D, respectively, in contact with therear side of the label 850. According to this embodiment, the rearwardfold allows each of the plurality of adhesive regions 864A-864D to beplaced in contact with the central adhesive region 866. In variousembodiments, the bond formed between the each of the respectiveplurality of adhesive regions 864A-864D and the central adhesive region866 is secure but temporary. According to various embodiments, VELCROhook and loop style fastening material is employed for each of theplurality of adhesive regions 864A-864D and the central adhesive region866. In various embodiments, other forms of adhesive or other forms offastening can be employed.

FIG. 8D illustrates a front view of the label 850 with the label securedto the strings 860 included in a basketball net. Here, the strings 860are trapped within the fold formed when a tab 862A-862D is foldedbackward and pressed into engagement with the rear of the body 852.Further, the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D allows fourseparate sections of string 860 to be secured within the folds of thelabel 850. When attached as illustrated the front surface 853 of thebody 852 is unobstructed when viewed from the front of the net. Heretoo, the logo 855 is clearly displayed with the label attached to thenet. Further, the manner of attachment provides the label with a secureattachment at each of four corners.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, a label is illustrated in accordance witha third embodiment. FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of the label 950.The label 950 includes a body 952, a front surface 953, a first end 968Aand a second end 968B. The two ends 968A, 968B extend from opposite endsof the body 953. A logo 955 is centrally located on the front surface953. FIG. 9B illustrates a rear view of the label 950. The rear side ofthe first end 968A and the rear side of the second end 968B each includean adhesive. As viewed from the rear, the label 950 includes a firstadhesive region 970A located on the rear of the first end 968A and asecond adhesive region 970B located on the rear of the second end 968B.The label 950 also includes a central adhesive region 972 located on therear side of the label 950.

FIG. 9C illustrates a front view of the label 950 in a configurationwhere the first end 968A and the second end 968B are folded backwards toplace each of the first adhesive region 970A and the second adhesiveregion 970B, respectively, in contact with the central adhesive region972 located on the rear side of the label 950. The ends 968A, 968B arepressed into engagement with the rear side of the body 950 to securelyattach the adhesive regions 970A, 970B and the central adhesive region972. In various embodiments, the bond that is formed between each of theadhesive regions 970A, 970B and the central adhesive region 972 issecure but temporary. According to various embodiments, VELCRO hook andloop style fastening material is employed for the adhesive regions 970A,970B and 972, respectively. In various embodiments, other forms ofadhesive or other forms of fastening can be employed.

FIG. 9D illustrates a front view of the label 950 with the label securedto the strings 960 included in a basketball net. Here, the strings 960are trapped within the fold formed when an end 968A, 968B is foldedbackward and pressed into engagement with the rear of the body 952.According to this embodiment, two separate sections of string 960 aresecured within the folds of the label 950. When attached as illustratedthe front surface 953 of the body 952 is unobstructed when viewed fromthe front of the net. Here too, the logo 955 is clearly displayed withthe label attached to the net.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10D, a label is illustrated in accordancewith a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10A illustrates a front view of the label1050. The label 1050 includes a body 1052, a front surface 1053 and aplurality of tabs 1074A-1074H. Each of the plurality of tabs 1074A-1074Hextend outward from the body 1052. A logo 1055 is centrally located onthe front surface 1053. FIG. 10B illustrates a rear view of the label1050. The rear side of the plurality of tabs 1074A-1074H include anadhesive. As viewed from the rear, the label 1050 includes a pluralityof adhesive regions 1076A-1076H each adhesive region located on a rearside of one of the plurality of tabs 1074A-1074H, respectively. Acentral adhesive region 1078 is located on the rear side of the body1052.

FIG. 10C illustrates a front view of the label 1050 in a configurationwhere the plurality of tabs 1074A-1074H are folded backwards to placeeach of the plurality of tabs 1074A-1074H, respectively, in contact withthe rear side of the label 1050. According to this embodiment, therearward fold allows each of the plurality of adhesive regions1074A-1074H to be pressed into contact with the central adhesive region1078, at different locations. In various embodiments, the bond formedbetween the each of the respective plurality of adhesive regions1076A-1076H and the central adhesive region 1078 is secure buttemporary. According to various embodiments, VELCRO hook and loop stylefastening material is employed for each of the plurality of adhesiveregions 1076A-1076H and the central adhesive region 1078. In variousembodiments, other forms of adhesive or other forms of fastening can beemployed.

FIG. 10D illustrates a front view of the label 1050 with the labelsecured to the strings 1060 included in a basketball net. Here, thestrings 1060 are trapped within the fold formed when a tab 1074A-1074His folded backward and pressed into engagement with the rear of the body1052. Further, the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D allowseight separate sections of string 1060 to be secured within the folds ofthe label 1050. When attached as illustrated the front surface 1053 ofthe body 1052 is unobstructed when viewed from the front of the net.Here too, the logo 1055 is clearly displayed with the label attached tothe net.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, a label 1180 is illustrated inaccordance with a fifth embodiment. FIG. 11A illustrates a front view ofthe label 1180. The label 1180 includes a body 1182, a front surface1183, a first snap 1184A located at a first end of the body 1182 and asecond snap 1184B located at a second end of the body 1182 opposite thefirst end. FIG. 11A illustrates the first snap 1184A and the second snap1184B in an open position. Each of the first snap 1184A and the secondsnap 1184B include a respective socket and stud visible in FIG. 11A. Alogo 1155 is centrally located on the front surface 1183. FIG. 11Billustrates a front view of the label 1180 with the both the first snap1184A and the second snap 1184B fastened in the closed position. Arespective snap cap included in each of the first snap 1184A and thesecond snap 1184B is visible in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 11C illustrates the label 1180 attached to strings 1160 included ina basketball net. According to the illustrated embodiment, the label1180 is securely attached to the basketball net by securing the firstend of the label 1180 to one or more strings 1160 using the first snap1184C and securing the second end of the label 1180 to one or morestrings 1160 using the second snap 1184B. In operation, one or morestrings are located between the socket and the stud of the snaps 1184A,1184B, respectively. Each end of the label is folded on itself to engagethe two elements of the snap and allow the secure fastening of the snapwith a string captured within the label 1180 at each end. The shape andform factor of the label 1180 allows it to be employed in variousorientations to display the logo. For example, FIG. 11C illustrates afirst orientation in which the label is secured in a horizontalorientation. FIG. 11D illustrates a second orientation in which thelabel 1180 is secured in an angled orientation across the face of thenet.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, a label 1285 is illustrated inaccordance with a sixth embodiment. FIG. 12A illustrates a front view ofthe label 1285. The label 1285 includes a body 1290, a front surface1283, a first end of the body 1286, a second end of the body 1287, anotched region 1288 and an opening 1289 that is defined in the secondend of the body 1287. FIG. 12B illustrates a rear view of the label 1285and a rear surface of the label.

FIG. 12C illustrates the label 1285 in a fastened position. To fastenthe label, the first end 1286 is folded backwards and inserted in theopening 1289. The first end is drawn through the opening 1289 wrappingon itself until the notches that define the notched region 1288 alignwith the walls that define the opening 1289. Here, the engagementbetween the notches and the walls of the opening provides a catch thatfixes the label 1285 in a loop 1291. In various embodiments, a distanceseparating the notched region 1288 from a distal portion of the secondend of the body 1287 establish an inner diameter of the loop 1291 withthe label in the “latched” state illustrated in FIG. 12C.

As illustrated in FIG. 12D, the label 1285 is attached to a string 1260included in the basketball net. This is accomplished by locating thestring adjacent the rear surface of the label 1285 when the first end1286 is folded rearward and drawn through the opening 1289. The label1285 is securely attached to the string 1260 when the label 1285 isplaced in the latched position illustrated in FIG. 12C with the string1260 enclosed within the opening 1291.

Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, a label 1392 is illustrated inaccordance with a seventh embodiment. FIG. 13A illustrates a front viewof the label 1392. The label 1392 includes a body 1394, a front surface1395, a slit 1393 located at a first end 1396 of the body and a snap1384 located at a second end 1397 of the body. FIG. 13B illustrates arear view of the label 1392 and a rear surface of the label. Theconfiguration of the label 1392 allows the label to be attached to abasketball net in one of two hanging configurations. FIG. 13Cillustrates a first configuration in which a string 1360 is trappedwithin a loop formed when the second end 1397 of the label is insertedwithin the slit 1393 with the string 1360 proximate a rear side of thelabel 1392. The resulting attachment is illustrated in FIG. 13C. In analternative form of attachment, the snap 1384 is employed as describedwith reference to the fifth embodiment above.

Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of thisinvention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations,modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled inthe art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intendedto be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spiritand scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description anddrawings are by way of example only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A label configured to attach to sports netting,the label comprising: a body including a front surface configured todisplay graphics with the label attached to the sports netting and arear surface including a central adhesive region; a plurality of tabsextending radially outward from the body, each of the plurality of tabshaving a rear surface including a second adhesive region, respectively;and a plurality of foldable regions wherein each of the plurality oftabs is connected to the body by one of the plurality of foldableregions, respectively, an adhesive-free rear surface of the plurality offoldable regions configured to contact the sports netting with the labelsecurely attached to the sports netting, wherein the central adhesiveregion and each of the respective second adhesive regions are sized andlocated such that contact is absent between the adhesive regions and thesports netting with the label securely attached to the sports netting.2. The label of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tabs isdefined by an edge that extends from a first attachment to the body at afirst end of one of the plurality of foldable regions to a secondattachment to the body at a second end of the one of the plurality offoldable regions, and wherein the edge forms an acute angle at a distalend of the tab.
 3. The label of claim 2, wherein the edge forms anobtuse angle at the first attachment to the body, and wherein the edgeforms an obtuse angle at the second attachment to the body.
 4. The labelof claim 1, wherein the diameter of the central adhesive region and aradial length of each of the second adhesive regions are selected toestablish a dimension of the adhesive-free rear surface of the pluralityof foldable regions such that contact is absent between the adhesiveregions and the sports netting with the label securely attached to thesports netting.
 5. The label of claim 1, wherein the graphics areapplied to the front surface of the body using a heat transfertechnology.
 6. The label of claim 5, wherein the body is manufactured ofa synthetic material including elastane.
 7. The label of claim 1,further comprising: a label outer edge; and a plurality of fold lineseach of the plurality of fold lines defined as a linear regionsubstantially centered in one of the plurality of foldable regions andextending between a first intersection of the respective fold line withthe label outer edge and a second intersection of the respective foldline with the label outer edge, respectively.
 8. The label of claim 7,wherein each of the plurality of tabs is defined by an acute triangleformed in a region between one of the plurality of fold lines, a firstportion of the label outer edge that extends from the first intersectionto a distal end of the respective tab and a second portion of the labeledge that extends from the second intersection to the distal end, thefirst portion and the second portion meeting at an acute angle.
 9. Thelabel of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is defined by aparallelogram formed in a region between one of the plurality of foldlines, a region of the label outer edge located at a distal edge of tab,a first portion of the label outer edge that extends from the firstintersection to the distal edge of the respective tab and a secondportion of the label outer edge that extends from the secondintersection to the distal edge of the respective tab.
 10. The label ofclaim 9, wherein the parallelogram includes one of a square shape and arectangular shape.
 11. The label of claim 9, wherein the plurality oftabs include at least four tabs.
 12. A label configured to attach tosports netting, the label comprising: a body including a front surfaceconfigured to display graphics with the label attached to the sportsnetting and a rear surface including a central adhesive region; aplurality of tabs extending radially outward from the body, each of theplurality of tabs having a rear surface including a second adhesiveregion, respectively; a plurality of foldable regions wherein each ofthe plurality of tabs is connected to the body by one of the pluralityof foldable regions, respectively, each of the plurality of foldableregions including an adhesive-free rear surface, a label outer edge, anda plurality of fold lines each of the plurality of fold lines defined asa linear region substantially centered in one of the plurality offoldable regions and extending between a first intersection with thelabel outer edge and a second intersection with the label outer edge,respectively, wherein each of the plurality of tabs is defined by anacute triangle formed in a region between one of the plurality of foldlines, a first portion of the label outer edge that extends from thefirst intersection to a distal end of the respective tab and a secondportion of the label edge that extends from the second intersection tothe distal end, the first portion and the second portion meeting at anacute angle.
 13. The label of claim 12, wherein the central adhesiveregion and each of the respective second adhesive regions are sized andlocated such that contact is absent between the adhesive regions and thesports netting with the label securely attached to the sports netting.14. The label of claim 13, wherein the label outer edge defines a firstobtuse angle at a location of the first intersection, and wherein thelabel outer edge defines a second obtuse angle at a location of thesecond intersection.